April 12, 2009

Solutions for Discovery
Governor’s task force takes up Discovery Center challenge

By Kathy Gray
of The Chronicle

     Almost since the day it opened its doors in 1997, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center has had money problems; now a governor’s task force is looking into solutions.
     “I think, because we have such a beautiful building, people think you have money, so then there’s a level of disappointment in the community that we aren’t doing more,” said Carolyn Purcell, executive director of the Discovery Center.
     While some people may think the Discovery Center gets ongoing government funding, that’s not the case.
     “We don’t have any tax base,” Purcell said. “We have to earn it or we have to beg for everything we have. For people to understand that is really important.”
     The center also has an approximately $80,000 annual debt payment for the infrastructure — roads, water and sewer — that was installed to reach the center’s Crate’s Point site.
     Until recently, that payment was made with assistance from the Ernie Kuck Trust, which funds the Wasco County Historical Museum. The museum is sited jointly with the Discovery Center, but its funding is separate.
     Last year, the cash-strapped county, which guaranteed the infrastructure loan, made the payment.
     Attorney Bill Dick II, who has been served on the museum board since its inception, and Wasco County Judge Dan Ericksen sought the help of Oregon Solutions to find solutions to secure the Discovery Center’s ongoing stability.
     Gov. Ted Kulongoski established Oregon Solutions to solve community problems.
Its mission is to develop sustainable solutions to community-based problems that support economic, environmental, and community objectives and are built through the collaborative efforts of businesses, government, and non-profit organizations, according to the organization website.
     “The need to find a more secure revenue stream for the Discovery Center was the utmost priority and we had really tapped out local resources,” Ericksen said. “You can only hold so many bake sales.”
     The Discovery Center hadn’t lived up to its tourism promises, he added.
     “When this idea and concept was sold to us it was one that would bring a million visitors a year and generate a lot of revenue for businesses — restaurants, motels and stores. Over the years, when they have consistently had to go back to businesses for donations and assistance, it’s not a good message.”
     Keith Mobley, a Dufur attorney, serves as co-convenor for the process, along with Todd Davidson, chief executive of Travel Oregon. The group, which includes many local activists, held its first meeting March 16.
     “It’s really an extraordinary group — a strong group,” Mobley said. “They had all kinds of ideas and went to work and divided themselves into work groups.
Work group tasks include debt retirement, building endowment, operations and maintenance, programs and exhibits, marketing and regional partnerships. Most of the groups have been meeting separately in anticipation of their next large meeting, which takes place Monday, April 13, at the Discovery Center.
     Mobley was encouraged about the process by success of other Oregon Solutions projects. Among examples are the new, 7,000-square-foot Sherman County Library and the ‘Fort-Clatsop-to-the-Sea Trail in Clatsop County.
     “It’s an ambitious project,” Mobley said. “And I’m hopeful that the ambitious goals now being set can be realized, with the most important being relief of the county and the city from annual payments.
     Stephanie Hallock serves as project manager and staff support for the effort. Her job has been described alternatively as a cheerleader and a pilot for the project, keeping it on track.
     One of her colleagues, Kim Travis, did a preliminary assessment of the project, which helped it gain Oregon Solutions approval.
     “I took the preliminary assessment, and with Keith’s help, started identifying people in the community who might be good to be part of this process,” Hallock said.
     Around 25 to 30 people responded and attended the March 16 meeting. The meetings are scheduled once each month until June. After that, funding for the effort is in limbo until state budget work is done.
     “The goal of any Oregon Solutions project is to get a declaration of cooperation,” she said, describing that as a work plan in which people and organizations make commitments to do things.
     In this specific effort, the group decided to develop a new business plan for the Discovery Center, she added.
     The center’s director sees added benefits.
     “One thing I know is that there is this group of very influential movers and shakers that are going to be really well-acquainted with our organization,” Purcell said. “I think there are a lot of misconceptions out there. They’re all getting a really good education about what the daily struggles are here. It’s a challenge to try to figure out way to help us. To have all those minds put together is great.”
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On the Net:
www.oregonsolutions.org
www.gorgediscovery.org